Quinn is a teenager from Philadelphia who relocates to the rural town of Kettle Springs to help process the recent death of her mother. She views her new home as a temporary stopgap before college and tries to keep her head down to avoid drama. Despite her avoidant tendencies, she quickly falls in with a group of rebellious teens.

Sheriff Dunne is an imposing law enforcement officer who commands immense respect from the older residents of Kettle Springs. He views the town's youth as a problem and openly antagonizes them, blaming their generation for the community's decline. He uses his popularity to exert authority over other town officials.

Cole is a popular high school student and heir to the Baypen corn syrup fortune. Originally a carefree partier, he changes significantly after a family tragedy and a recent arson incident at his family's defunct factory. He harbors deep remorse for his past actions while resisting the older generation's repressive rules.

Rust is a solitary teenager who lives next door to the Maybrooks. He spends his free time hunting and fishing, which places him outside the typical social circles of his high school peers. His conservative lifestyle and gun ownership make him a polarizing figure among the other teens.

Arthur is a wealthy industrialist whose family founded the Baypen corn syrup factory that once sustained Kettle Springs. Following the death of his daughter and the destruction of his factory, he becomes reclusive and stops investing in the town's economy. His absence leaves the community anxious about its financial future.

Glenn is a doctor who relocates his practice to Kettle Springs for a fresh start following his wife's tragic death. He is eager to integrate into the community and provide a stable environment for his daughter. He struggles to connect with the skeptical locals who prefer their old traditions.

Janet is a high school student who organizes stunts for a YouTube channel with her friends. As an Asian-American girl who moved to Kettle Springs in her youth, she initially felt like an outsider but eventually claimed her place in the town's social fabric. She is fiercely protective of her friend group.

Tucker is an athletic and energetic high school student who enjoys pulling pranks for his friend group's YouTube channel. He occasionally works as a mascot in a Frendo costume, using the disguise to execute sanctioned mischief during town events.

Ronnie is a confident teenager involved in the local youth prank culture. She helps run the group's livestream channel and frequently challenges authority figures at her school alongside her boyfriend and friends.

Matt is a high school student who eagerly participates in the town's youth culture of parties and stunts. He frequently wears a Frendo the Clown costume to scare people and amuse his friends.

Mr. Vern is a lifelong resident of Kettle Springs and a science teacher at the high school. He is highly critical of the modern teenage generation, believing their entitlement and disrespect are ruining the community he grew up in.

Harlan is the mayor of Kettle Springs, nearing the end of a lackluster term. He struggles to maintain authority over the community, particularly when challenged by more dominant figures like the sheriff.

Victoria is Cole's younger sister, an underclassman eager to fit in with the older teens. Her desire for popularity leads her to attempt a dangerous stunt during a party at the reservoir.

Ginger is a punk-styled high school student who actively participates in the local party scene. She is one of the first students to interact with Quinn, offering her local gossip and helping her open her locker.

Trudy works as a waitress at the Main Street Eatery. She caters primarily to the older residents of Kettle Springs and shares their open disdain for the town's youth population.